Bethany

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There are 7 white sheep wandering around lost in the Bethany area after escaping through an open gate. Last sighted on a trail cam near Cackner Rd. and Bethany Center Rd. Please contact Barbara Hollands 585-734-2236 if you see them. They are a bit shy of people but like grain and will come to someone shaking a bucket of grain.

UPDATE Friday, 10:23 a.m.: Thanks to the help of neighbor Pat Pietrzykowski, all seven sheep have been located, rounded up and returned home, where they are safe and sound.

A car has reportedly hit a tree at East Road and Raymond Road, Bethany.

The driver was able to get out of the vehicle and has a complaint of chest pain.

Bethany fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Pedro Vazquez Diaz, 31, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with burglary, 2nd. At 10:21 a.m., Saturday, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence on Bethany Center Road, Bethany. Deputies and troopers responded, along with Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 Destro. Destro located the suspect in the residence and he was taken into custody. He was jailed without bail.

Tyler D. Price, 23, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Price was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:04 p.m. Sunday on Liberty Street, in violation of a protective order. Price was also arrested on a warrant on an alleged failure to appear for a court appearance on an unrelated charge.

Michael J. Difalco, 28, no permanent address, is charged with harassment, 2nd, criminal mischief, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Difalco was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident. He allegedly became combative while in custody and as his case was being processed. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Cory J. Trybushyn, 28, of Vine Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay a fine on an attempted petit larceny charge. He turned himself in on the warrant and posted $150 bail.

Michael P. McDonald, 32, of East Avenue, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. McDonald was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

Nikki L. Stonebraker, 27, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Stonebraker allegedly struck the head of a minor against a wall while in the presence of another minor.

Wayny G. Colon, 24, of Amherst Manor Drive, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant. Colon posted $500 bail and was released. No further details released.

Isaiah J. Munroe, 26, no permanent address, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Munroe was allegedly involved in a fight with a person on Liberty Street while in the presence of a minor.

Devin P. Hofert, 20, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, disorderly conduct/unreasonable noise, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Hofert was arrested following a police investigation into a disturbance at 6:09 a.m., Aug. 8, at 33 Dellinger Ave., Batavia. Hofert was allegedly found in possession of 16 hypodermic needles, drug paraphernalia and a switchblade knife.

Matthew Joseph Engert, 25, of Geddes Street, Holley, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated harassment charge. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Jason M. Saeli, 34, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with suspended registration and unregistered motor vehicle. Saeli was arrested on a warrant. 

Matthew B. Starowitz, 27, of Whitney Mill Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Starowitz was arrested during an investigation into a report of a suspicious vehicle occupied by two males at 624 E. Main St., Batavia at 9:10 p.m. on Aug. 8.

A 17-year-old resident of State Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. The youth allegedly displayed an intimate part of his body while in a vehicle parked in a parking lot at 1:15 p.m. Sunday at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Catherine Rose Bater, 36, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with a violation of a Family Court act. Bater turned herself in on a warrant.

Cody Edward Jarmuz, 24, of 7th Street, Buffalo, is charged with driving while ability impaired by a combination of drugs and alcohol, moved from lane unsafely, unlicensed operation, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Jarmuz was stopped at 3:06 a.m. Saturday on Route 98, Elba, by Deputy Chris Parker after allegedly being observed unable to maintain his lane of traffic.

Edwin Javier Ortiz, 38, of Cobb Street, Tonawanda, is charged with assault, 3rd. Ortiz allegedly struck another person in the face, breaking that person's nose. The alleged disagreement was over a pool chair and was reported at 5:54 p.m. Aug. 6 at Darien Lake.

Hakeem Ellsha Cunningham, 20, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Cunningham allegedly grabbed the neck of a juvenile, causing her to have a hard time breathing, during an incident reported July 19.

Lance M. Mercado Sr., 26, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mercardo is accused of shoplifting from Speedway. Surveillance cameras revealed Mercado allegedly placing merchandise in his pockets and leaving the store without paying for the items.

Anthony G. Milone, 52, of Transit Road, Depew, is charged with disorderly conduct. Milone allegedly stepped out in front of a vehicle on Summit Street, Batavia, blocking traffic, at 4:29 p.m., June 24.

Joseph M. Marsceill Sr., 46, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Marsceill allegedly failed to appear in court on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was released on his own recognizance.

Deborah R. Blatt, 56, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Blatt allegedly struck a police officer while being escorted to an ambulance to be taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Charles-Gus Thigpen Williams, 37, of Robinson Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Williams allegedly tried to gain access to a residence on Liberty Street at 10:32 p.m., Aug. 2, where the person living there was protected by a complete stay away order. Williams was located and arrested Tuesday. He was jailed on $1,000 bail, or $2,000 bond.

Douglas S. Sprague, 49, of Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Sprague allegedly attempted to resist arrest following a disturbance on Hutchins Place, Batavia, at 10:27 p.m., Friday.

Benjamin L. Brade, 24, of Denio Street, Batavia, is was arrested on a warrant. Brade allegedly failed to show up to serve a weekend jail term. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Paul P. Cronan, 35, of Main Street, Williamsville, is charged with harassment, 2nd, disorderly conduct and coercion, 2nd. Cronan was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:21 p.m., Sunday, at Dunkin' Donuts, Batavia. He was released to NYSP Clarence on unrelated charges.

Christian Richard Austin, 32, of Parce Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to stop at stop sign and driver's view obstructed. Austin was stopped at 12:21 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Michael Lute.

The Bethany Fire Department was among area departments, including Wyoming, Attica and Pavilion, to respond to a report of a field fire at 10:11 a.m. in the Town of Covington. Traffic was closed on West Middlebury Road while firefighters battled the blaze cutting through a field of grass and hay.

Photos and information provided by Glenn Adams.

Floyd William Howell, 45, of Transit Road, Bethany, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. At 7:04 a.m. on July 12, Howell was arrested on Sparks Road in Pavilion for allegedly taking a vehicle and using it without the owner's consent. He was arraigned in Pavilion Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is to appear in Pavilion Town Court again on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Ward Edward Royse, 41, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. At 6 p.m. on July 12, Royse was arrested following the investigation into a pair of larcenies at Kmart. It is alleged that Royse stole several items from the store on June 26 and then again on July 4. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on July 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

Jakob Matthew Bishop, 18, of West Oak Orchard Street, Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bishop was arrested on the charge following an investigation into a suspicious activity call at 8:45 p.m. on July 13. Bishop was in the midway of the Genesee County Fairgrounds at the time of his arrest. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 4 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl.

A two-car accident is reported at Ellicott Street Road and East Road, Bethany, with injuries.

The accident is not blocking.

Bethany and Stafford fire departments and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:24 a.m.: A first responder reports traffic is backing up.

UPDATE 9:30 a.m.: Photo submitted by Jordan Fleming showing the wheel from the passenger vehicle jammed under the tires of the tractor trailer.

An accident with minor injuries is reported at Route 63 and Clapsaddle Road, Bethany. It's a sedan vs. semi-truck. There is entrapment. Two occupants are in the sedan and one door won't open, says the dispatcher. Two Mercy medic units and Bethany Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 8 a.m.: A law enforcement officer on scene reports the driver claims he is OK, but has some knee pain. His female passenger says she's just shaken up but will need evaluating. Traffic control in the vicinity will be needed.

UPDATE 8:02 a.m.: The sedan has heavy front-end damage; it is leaking fluids and will need to be hosed down, says a responder.

UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: Mercy medic #1 is transporting two patients to UMMC. The second Mercy rig is back in service.

UPDATE 9:05 a.m. (by Howard): Spoke with a trooper at the scene. The sedan was turning right off of Clapsaddle and apparently swung too wide in its turn and veered into the oncoming lane. 

(Submitted photos.)

Alexander High School graduate Fleur Remington (Class of 2013) was crowned Miss New York State in Syracuse on Sunday after winning the Sunburst Beauty Pageant there on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Genesee County native grew up in the Bethany hamlet of Linden and will be attending her second semester at SUNY Brockport this fall, where she will continue her studies as a Biology major, with a minor in Forensic Science.

As pageants go, she's pretty new to the scene. She competed with young women who've been participating in them since kindergarten. Remington's first beauty competition was at age 18 when she was a freshman at Genesee Community College. It was the Miss New York USA Pageant. She won a local title for Sunburst in Watertown in 2014 then tied for fourth place at the Sunburst Miss New York State last year.

Those experiences allowed her to gain some useful experience and knowlege.

In Saturday's pageant, she also won Photogenic categories A and B, Swimwear, Top Model Look and Model Search, and was second runner-up in Casual Wear. 

"I cried, to be honest," she said of being named Miss New York State. "It was so surreal for me. I worked so hard and I was competing with girls who've been doing this since age 5. It doesn't feel real yet."

Now that she's won a state crown, she will compete in July for the Florida-based Sunburst Pageant's International crown, which is sort of a misnomer: "It's called the International Pageant, but only girls from the U.S. compete."

When proof of talent is called for, she has the gift of song.

"I can sing," she said. "I've been singing since I took chorus in fourth grade. I was the only soprano to make all-county chorus every year from sixth through 12th grade."

In fact, Remington will perform at a USO show in Rochester on the 4th of July. She hasn't decided what song she'll perform yet.

Her minute in that bit of limelight comes at the behest of beauty pageant maven Mary Therese Friel, a native (born in 1960) and current resident of Pittsford who won the titles Miss New York USA and Miss USA. She later modeled and opened her own agency and now trains pageant participants.

Friel is credited with teaching her about the world of pageants. And Remington's experiences to date have helped her to become, as she puts it, "a professional young woman."

"I represent myself, my hometown, my family, and Genesee County," Remington said. "I want everyone to see me, and them, as part of a great community."

Besides making lasting friendships with her peers, she has gained self confidence by taking part in pageants. She tries her best, she said, and knows that with persistance and work she can achieve her goals.

And when she's ready to start a career, she has known since age 10 what she wants to do -- work in a crime lab. The gross things that those scientists get to study and investigate absolutely fascinate Miss Fleur Remington.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Broadway and Transit roads. Bethany Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: Fire Police are called in for traffic control.

Steven Robert Tanner, 43, of Batavia Bethany Townline Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI with a BAC greater than .08, and DWI. He was arrested at 4:47 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, after an investigation into a traffic offense complaint in the Town of Stafford. He was allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol while on Clinton Street Road in Satfford. Ater being processed at the jail, he was released for appearance tickets for Town of Stafford Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Kelly Marie Kabel, 38, of Royal Sunset Drive, Webster, charged with failure to pay fine imposed by court. She was arrested on Thursday, April 28, on a bench warrant out of the Town of Stafford for allegedly failing to pay a Stafford Court fine from last June. She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is to be in Stafford Court on May 10. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Hannah C. Dibble is not the "party girl of Pembroke" she once was, her attorney Ben Bonarigo told Judge Micheal F. Pietruzka, in County Court this morning before Pietruzka sentenced Dibble to six months in jail and five years probation for a drunken-driving accident that claimed the life of Alyson D. Krzanak.

Krzanak was an 18-year-old GCC student who hoped to become a Special Ed teacher.

The 23-year-old Dibble, who has gone from a California blonde to a bookish brunette since her last court appearance, told Piertuzka how sorry she was She apologized to Krzanak's family, her family, the families of the other accident victims, the community and any others hurt by her poor decision of Feb. 21, 2015.

Dibble was supposed to be the designated driver that night.

Bonarigo said when he first met with Dibble after the accident, he wasn't sure she really comprehended what she had done, her culpability in the accident. He said he was then "a doubting Thomas."

But as Dibble has proceeded through months of rehabilitation, much of it at her own insistence that she needed more work, through in-patient care to halfway houses and support facilities, he's seen Dibble come to grips with her own actions and reach the level of remorse where she wishes she could go back and if not undo what happened, at least trade places with Krzanak.

This morning's hearing opened with Alyson's parents, Dave and Renee Krzanak, delivering victim impact statements.

Both said Alyson was a joy, a friend, a talented and special person who had much to give the world. Dave said his wife still wakes up at night sometimes crying. He said he thinks about the fact that he will never walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day, see her graduate, have children, become a teacher.

Renee said Alyson was a miracle baby. After years of trying to conceive, she was about to undergo a fertility treatment when a doctor told her he couldn't do the treatment. She was already three days pregnant.  If the doctor hadn't noticed that little embryo, Alyson wouldn't have been born.

They always knew Alyson would be special.

"She excelled at everything she tried," Renee said.

"People don't understand what it's like to lose a child until you lose your child," Dave said. "It's a sadness you can't imagine."

Renee said she last spoke to Alyson about 11:30 the night of the accident. 

"Whatever you're doing, be safe," Renee said she told her daughter.

"I'll be safe," Alyson said. "I have a driver."

Alyson trusted her friend, Hannah C. Dibble, Dave and Renee said, and it was a trust misplaced.

"We don't hate Hannah Dibble," Dave said. "We hate the choice she made."

Dibble drove her 1997 Chevrolet Geo across Route 20 coming off Molasses Hill Road in Bethany and it was slammed into by a semi-truck.

Not only was Krzanak killed, three others suffered serious physical injuries: James Scherer, 21, Brandon Danser, 22, and Felecia J. Fazzio, 20.

Assistant DA Will Zickl said through getting to know Dave and Renee as he took them through the mundane legal process of prosecuting Dibble, he came to understand who Alyson was as a person.

"These are fine people," he said.

Their grace and understanding he said were a reflection of the grace and understanding Alyson would want shown to Dibble, which is why there was eventually a plea deal that would cap Dibble's maximum possible sentence to six months in jail and five years probation.

Pietruzka wasn't on the Genesee County bench for any of the prior hearings in the case and as he reviewed the court documents and notes last week, he said he was initially puzzled as to why Noonan agreed to such a seemingly light sentence in such a serious case.

"Now I understand as difficult as that commitment was, it was made after much discussion and consideration and in appreciation of Alyson and who she was as a person," Pietruzka said.

After signing court documents, Dibble was escorted, without handcuffs, from the courtroom, by a deputy. Officially, she's in the custody of the Sheriff's Office, but since the county jail is unable to house female prisoners, she will be transferred to another, as yet undetermined, county jail to serve her six-month term.

Dibble said she hopes to continue her rehabilitation and education and eventually enter the medical profession.

"I take full responsibility for what happened that night," Dibble said. "It's very clear to me what I must do. Every step I make in recovery, I dedicate to her. I must make sure everything in my life changes for the better and everything I do and have done will be in Alyson's name."

A car has reportedly hit a utility pole and wires are down in the area of 6071 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

No injuries are reported, but Mercy EMS is dispatched as a precaution.

Bethany fire and Stafford fire dispatched.

UPDATE 9 a.m.: Bethany and Stafford, back in service.

Press release:

The Postal Service welcomes its newest Village Post Office (VPO) to the Bethany community. Through the Postal Service’s VPO partnership with the Bethany municipality, local residents and businesses now can enjoy access to some postal products and services at Bethany Town Hall, 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

“When the East Bethany Post Office suspended operations in September, we decided we could offer basic postal services as a convenience to our residents through the VPO option,” said Bethany Town Clerk Debbie Douglas.

“Customers with more complex postal needs will have to drive to one of the nearby Post Offices, but if someone needs stamps or wants to drop off mail, we can help with that.”

The Bethany VPO provides a specific range of services that include the sale of First-Class postage booklets and rolls, Priority Mail Flat-Rate postage and acceptance of mail. It operates in conjunction with normal business hours:

                        9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

                        10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Wednesday

VPOs are designed for non-Postal Service establishments, such as an existing community business, town hall, library or government center. Business establishments interested in applying for a contract with the Postal Service to start a Village Post Office in their local community should contact: vpo.inquiry@usps.gov.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Kevin G. Viehdeffer, 55, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested March 7 at 6:30 p.m. following a complaint that he punched a staff member in the chest while being treated at the emergency room at UMMC. He is to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Brandon Michael-Eckerd Valdes, 27, of Burr Avenue, Binghampton, is charged with exposure of a person, second-degree harassment, obstruction and resisting arrest. He was arrested at 1:42 a.m. on March 12 after an incident that occurred a short time earlier on West Main Street, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail, or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Patrick D. Neaverth, 35, no permanent address, was arrested on March 13 at 6:54 p.m. and charged with first-degree criminal contempt, third-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree burglary. He allegedly damaged a glass door and entered a residence. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Brian Phillip Smith, 56, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He was arrested on March 14 following an investigation into an alleged domestic disturbance that occurred on Feb. 28. Smith was allegedly found in possession of a stun gun. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is to appear in Town of Bethany Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Chayse R. Brownlie, 19, of Maxon Road, Attica, is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 or more, DWI, and no having no headlights. At about 3:05 a.m. on March 13, Brownlie was stopped on West Main Street in Batavia for driving without headlights. After further investigation, the driver was arrested for allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Brownlie is scheduled to appear in City Court at 9 a.m. on March 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Michael John Palvino, 25, of Stillmoon Crescent, Rochester, is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater, DWI, and speeding. He was stopped for allegedly speeding on Lewiston Road in Batavia at 1:01 p.m. on March 13. An investigation allegedly revealed he was intoxicated. He is to be in Batavia Town Court on April 7. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Sanfratello.

Brad L. Ohlson, 39, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. He was arrested March 12 at 5:15 p.m. following a verbal dispute wherein Ohlson allegedly used obscene language in the presence of several people, including multiple juveniles. He was jailed and bail set at $250. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Demetri C. Stewart, 23, of Lewis Place, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant and released after posting $100 bail. He is to appear in City Curt this afternoon on an unspecified charge stemming from an incident on Feb. 24 on West Main Street, Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

(Name redacted), 18, of Violet Lane, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The suspect was arrested on Donahue Road in Batavia following a traffic stop of a disabled vehicle. The suspect was allegedly found to possess a small amount of marijuana stored in the vehicle. The suspect was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on March 28. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Doug Yeomans took this picture. It's of the metal dragon sculpture on Transit Road in Bethany, Pavilion sunrise, yesterday morning.

CORRECTION: A reader, admittedly being nitpicky, wrote to say this dragon actually sits on the Pavilion side of Transit Road, not the Bethany side.

Justin T. Calmes, 37, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass and illegal disposal of items. Calmes allegedly dumped items into a dumpster at North Spruce Apartments when he did not have permission to use the dumpster.

Andrei P. Sliker, 25, of Silver Road, Bethany, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Sliker was taken into custody at 9:31 p.m. Thursday by Batavia PD and transported to City Court, where the matter was resolved.

James R. Kosiorek, 23, no permanent residence, was arrested on a warrant out of City Court by Rochester PD. Kosiorek was turned over to Batavia, was arraigned in City Court, and released.

Jessie M. Cramer, 30, of South Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Cramer was located on Jackson Street during an investigation into an unrelated matter. He was released on $500 police bail.

Kimberly M. Volk, 27, of Montclair Avenue, is charged with criminal using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Volk was contacted by police in front of Dollar General after a report of a verbal argument. She was allegedly found in possession of two glass crack pipes.

Shane Eric Ashton, 46, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and moving unsafely from lane. Ashton was stopped at 2:34 a.m. Sunday on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Triton Adam Drock, 21, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to register change of address within 10 days. Drock was arrested on a warrant  of Town of Batavia Court. 

A utility pole is reportedly on fire in the area of 5769 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

Bethany fire responding.

A driver reports being suspended in his car, strapped in with a seatbelt, but unable to get out because of a handicap, following a rollover accident in the area of 9545 Bethany Center Road, Bethany.

The driver tells dispatchers he or she is not injured.

Bethany fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:53 a.m.: Stafford requested to the scene.